John "Jack" Henry Oldland

John H. (Jack) Oldland was born August 21, 1930 in Meeker, Colorado. Jack Graduated from Meeker High School in 1949. He served in the United States Air Force from February 5, 1951 to February 5, 1955. After leaving the Air Force, Jack attended Adams State College where he met Viola West. They married on June 2, 1956. Jack and Viola celebrated 70 years together on June 2, 2026.

In 1957, he took control of managing the family ranch west of Meeker in Rio Blanco County. In 1965, the ranch was sold and the couple obtained a franchise for a Gamble Store in Questa, New Mexico. When the store closed Jack began working for Goodyear Tire Company as a tire repair man at the Molybdenum Mine also in Questa from 1969 to 1974.

In 1974, Jack and Viola moved their family to Craig, Colorado. When first arriving in Craig, Jack worked for Rio Grand Motorway and later Koch Oil hauling crude oil from Utah to Colorado for the railway. He then worked for Colowyo Coal Company from 1976 until his retirement in 1995 with the majority of that time being spent as a grader operator.

Jack passed away peacefully at home on September 17, 2026. He was 96 years “young”.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Ambrose & Mary Oldland, Thomas L. & Emma Ruckman, his parents, Henry & Audrey Oldland all of Meeker, Colorado and his siblings Frank Oldland of Grand Junction, Colorado & Mary Washburn of Meeker Colorado.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Viola; his daughter, Laura; granddaughter, Tiffany and her husband, Justin; and great-granddaughter, Heartley. His family also includes his daughter, Kathy; son, Paul; grandchildren, Joy, John, Emily, and Cheryl; and great-granddaughters, Harlie and Taryn.

He will also be remembered by numerous extended family members, close friends, and neighbors whose lives he touched throughout the years.

The family is hoping to arrange a Celebration of Life on Jack’s 97th birthday, August 21, 2027, at Highland Cemetery in Meeker, Colorado. Additional details will be shared at a later date as plans are made, and family and friends are warmly invited to join us in remembering and celebrating Jack’s life.